Three key ministers desert Turnbull, paving the way for a Dutton takeover

Three senior government ministers have advised Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull he no longer has the support of the majority of the party and urged him to call an urgent party room meeting.

Finance Minister Mathias Cormann, Communications Minister Mitch Fifield and Jobs Minister Michaelia Cash Source: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

Senior minister Mathias Cormann, Michaelia Cash and Mitch Fifield have deserted the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in a move that all but spells the end of his prime ministership.

Senator Cormann said it was with "great sadness and a heavy heart" that the three advised the prime minister yesterday afternoon that he no longer had the support of the majority of the party room and offered to resign.